Why Security Should be Your First Smart Home Investment

January 17, 2020

Smart security systems are vital for securing your home and streamlining your daily life.

More people than ever are investing in smart home devices such as smart speakers and thermostats. But with smart appliances ranging from dishwashers to kettles and lightbulbs, choosing that first smart home device can feel like a minefield.

A great place to start is with arguably the most important element: security.

While there are dozens of smart devices out there for conveniences such as voice-activated lighting and automated thermostats, smart security systems can offer a significant boost to traditional home security, while being easier to control too.

Personalized Security

Smart security systems can often be purchased as DIY-friendly installations where you can implement additional devices as needed.

The Cox Homelife system, for example, is designed around the Homelife Hub, which securely connects to your home WiFi and works with motion-sensitive HD cameras that can be placed inside or outside the home, streaming live video so you can check on your home from afar. If the cameras detect motion, they can start continuously recording video 24 hours a day. These recorded clips, as well as the live video feed, are easily accessed from a companion smartphone app.

If you're just starting to invest in your smart home security, then such cameras may be sufficient for monitoring your home when you're away. For extra security – and peace of mind – you might also think about room motion sensors or activity sensors for doors and windows; these can be programmed to send alerts to your smartphone if triggered, or activate your trusty HD cameras to start recording.

What's more, a top-notch smart security system can connect other smart home devices that can help create the perfect home environment, which is personalized according to rules you program into central control units such as the Homelife Hub.

Doing Double Duty

Certain devices within a smart security system can also automate the little - and important - things around the house. Motion sensors, for example, can be programmed via the Homelife Hub with rules that automatically turn on smart lightbulbs if someone walks into a room. An internet-connected, motion-sensitive camera indoors isn't only useful in case of intruders but can alert others if a vulnerable family member or friend falls.

And for simply checking who's at the door, those HD cameras can do double duty as a doorbell camera. For example, someone standing at the doorstep could trigger an alert sent to your smartphone app, allowing you to view the live video feed to see who your visitor is before opening the door – or, if you install a smart door lock as well, even remotely let them in. The Cox Homelife system also supports smart plugs that can turn any appliance or device into a smart gadget that can be programmed to automatically disconnect from (or connect to) power depending on use, for example, or time of day.

This automation has the additional benefit of ensuring you use electricity only when you need it, reducing your utility costs as well as boosting your home's eco friendliness.

Smart Home Management

Perhaps the most underrated feature of a smart home security system, however, is that smartphone app, which offers unprecedented micro-control over your home. You can keep tabs on the premises while you're away, be that over live video feed or recorded clips, enabling cameras or a forgotten sensor en route to the airport.

In fact, one recent study found that smart home users benefited the most from being able to control and monitor their homes remotely, which provided them with a sense of security.

Once you get in the flow of securing your home in precisely the way that makes you feel safe, you may also feel inspired to explore the benefits of other smart home devices – and a worthy smart security system should support that, too.